“Tow-chang?” said the captain.
“Yes, sir; his tail,” I said.
“Oh, I see! They’re very proud of the length.”
“Well, I’m blessed if ever I see such a snarl,” cried the man below. “That’s it. There you are. Here, cut this hankychy thing.”
“Got him now?”
“Ay, ay, sir! all right,” came from the boat; and at this the men burst out cheering again like mad, while the boat was drawn along the side with difficulty till the falls were reached, hooked on, and with a stamp and a run she was hauled up, and I was close up to the side as she was swung in, and Ching lifted out dripping, and sank down in a heap as soon as the men tried to set him on his feet.
“Here, let me have a look at him,” said the doctor.
“But first of all, why did you cling there instead of calling for help?” cried Mr Reardon angrily.
“Bah! don’t worry the man, sir,” said the doctor sharply. “He’s nearly insensible. What’s this canister doing at the end of his tail?”
“Bah!” ejaculated the captain angrily, and he said something to Mr Reardon, and then went down to the cabin.